The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Sean Payton confirmed that Ingram is not expected to participate in any of the Saints' organized team activities until the mandatory veteran minicamp in June, apparently because the Pro Bowler is heading into the final year of his contract. "He and I spoke, so it wasn't a surprise to us that he's not here," Payton said. "I don't agree with it. But it is optional, and that's his choice."
Diehards Line:It was Ingram's decision to train independently in Florida and does not appear to be related to Ingram's four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Instead, Ingram, who also switched from longtime agent Joel Segal to new agents Paul Bobbitt and David Jones this offseason, wants a new deal. As ESPN.com's Mike Triplett suggests, It's hard to imagine the Saints signing Ingram to a lucrative contract extension before the season starts, both because of his looming suspension and because they have another rising star in Alvin Kamara. ... All that said, Payton also said that the Saints don't have any immediate plans to sign a veteran running back to add to their young stable led by Kamara, Trey Edmunds, Jonathan Williams and sixth-round draft choice Boston Scott.